Manalo Stadium.
Facing Braviary as he swooped in with his wings spread,
with what stamina Lycanroc had left,
he could barely endure this final hit.
But this was the moment Ash had been waiting for.
"Now's the time! Counter!"
The instant those wings struck him, dazzling red light erupted around Lycanroc!
He converted all the power built up from the immense pain of that Seismic Toss into energy for a counterattack.
Bam!
Braviary's attack had indeed connected,
but Counter landed just as solidly.
"Screee!"
The tremendous recoil sent Braviary tumbling backward, and he wobbled several times in midair before barely steadying himself.
Ji Qiu, the commentator, declared, "It worked!"
"Counter dealt Braviary a devastating blow!"
Professor Kukui smiled as well.
"A beautiful counterattack, Ash."
Using himself as bait to lure his opponent into close combat,
then striking back with Counter...
But after that counterattack,
Lycanroc had exhausted the last of his strength.
Though he was still holding on, refusing to fall,
"Braviary, one final Brave Bird!"
Incredible energy erupted around Braviary, turning him into a blazing blue meteor as he charged with unstoppable momentum...
straight toward Lycanroc.
"Lycanroc, dodge with Accelerock!"
This time, however, Lycanroc
could not dodge as Ash commanded.
He no longer had enough strength to move.
"Awoooo!"
Watching the blue meteor hurtle toward him, Lycanroc used the last of his strength to let out a soaring howl before the full force of Brave Bird engulfed him.
Boom!
Lycanroc went flying backward,
crashed straight into the wall, and his eyes turned into spirals.
Hala raised his flag.
"Lycanroc is unable to battle!"
"Lycanroc is down!"
"Ash has lost his first key battler."
"But he also managed to deal serious damage to Professor Kukui's Braviary!"
Ash recalled Lycanroc and said softly,
"Thanks for all your hard work. Get some